STAFFORD — In most small communities, stories of the downtown movie theater are embedded in the memories of residents and alumni returning home to visit on special occasions. Such is the case of the Ritz Theatre at 116 S. Main in Stafford. Both locals and returning alumni were able to revel in a most recent exterior renovation of the Ritz in time for their annual Oktoberfest celebration on Saturday, Oct. 7.
The Wichita-based Miracle Sign Company had just completed its restoration of the theater’s movie marquee, in an Art Deco homage mirroring the building’s appearance during its heyday in the 1940s.
As with most community renovations, the project required a local benefactor. That Saturday, the community honored Mable and Robert Austin and family for their efforts in raising funds to continue the city-managed venue’s recent endeavours to make improvements. In 2022, Mable began a matching fundraising campaign, with the project designed to preserve the theater’s original Art Deco-era appearance.
In its research, Miracle uncovered a 1944 black-and-white photo showing the theater’s projecting blade and marquee. Blending the original architecture with modern-day neon LED lighting, the Ritz’s marquee has a unique color combination capability with its enhanced programmable lighting system. Volunteer Nancy Hildebrand provided the facade’s art deco design and another volunteer, City Superintendent Andy Holmes, provided the painting. The community approves; according to its latest public opinion rating, the theater rates 4.8 out of a possible 5 points.
The same location - since 1930
While there have been several owners, iterations and names, Stafford’s movie house has always been located in the same spot in which it was first built. The first theater was named the Mystic, owned by C.O. White, E.A. Briles and Clelland Cole. As a unit, these gentlemen were known locally as the “Stafford Boosters,” who were founders of many Stafford enterprises. The Mystic went through a series of improvements and was later named the Nueva Theatre.
Another rebuild
In those early years, commercial film releases were produced on nitrate film stock, which was highly valued for a wide tonal range and luminous, high-contrast images. However, it was an extremely dangerous material.
When new, the nitrate film could be ignited with the heat of a cigarette. As it aged, it could ignite spontaneously at temperatures as low as 120 degrees. The film burns rapidly, fueled by its own released oxygen, and releases toxic fumes.
Many early film houses were lost due to fire as a result. The Mystic was no exception; although the cause was undetermined, the building was completely destroyed in a fire on Sept. 25, 1930. The theater lot was sold to Warren Webber, who completely rebuilt the structure and named it the Ritz Theatre.
The Ritz as first built had a capacity of 400, with its rows of wooden seats. Over time, the theater’s amenities and equipment fell into disrepair, and so in the mid-1990s, the “Save the Ritz” committee was formed to acquire a new projector, heating and air conditioning, and a new screen. The original wooden chairs were removed and replaced with 250 comfortable cushioned seats.
As the City of Stafford took over management of the Ritz, more improvement projects were completed. The projector was again updated, the projector room rebuilt, wiring replaced and floors and bathrooms remodeled.
The Ritz offers first-run movie showings on the first and fourth weekends of the month, as well as Sunday matinees. Ticket prices are $5 for adults and $3 for children, with kids 5 years old and under admitted free.
